10/15/2026
A love story that started at SIU is now part of campus forever!
SIU alumni Nick and Amanda Martin returned to campus during Homecoming week to dedicate "Coalesce," a new heart-shaped sculpture outside the Agriculture Building, where their own love story began.
The Martins met as students at SIU, built a life together and are celebrating their 18th wedding anniversary this weekend. The dedication also marks another meaningful anniversary for their family: the phone call that changed their lives forever, when they learned their daughter, Miracle, would be joining their family. Now, with Miracle by their side, they hope the sculpture becomes a special place for generations of Salukis to celebrate the friendships, connections and love stories that began at SIU.
"SIU gave us so much more than an education," Amanda said. "It gave us lifelong friendships, an incredible community and, most importantly, each other."
Next time you're on campus, stop by the sculpture, snap a photo and share your Saluki love story using .
Thank you, Nick and Amanda, for creating a lasting symbol of Saluki love and the power of giving back!
Read more: https://blog.siuf.org/?p=5293
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
SIU Alumni Association
SIU College of Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences